Combination portable computer cooling support and carrying case

ABSTRACT

The present invention achieves technical advantages as a combination portable computer carry case and cooling support with an deployable/expandable and retractable receptacle, such as a pocket. The device is configured to receive a portable computer for carrying in a first orientation, and also configured to support the portable computer at an angle upon a work surface in an ergonomic position in a second orientation. The pocket can hold portable computers of varying sizes, and is aesthetically appealing as it won&#39;t sag when used. The pocket conveniently collapses to provide a coplanar support surface when used as a support stand.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/281,365 filed Nov. 16, 2009 entitled Notebook Computer Stand Having Fabric Sail.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to the field of portable computers and computer accessories, and more particularly to portable computer carrying cases and desk/lap supports for portable computers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable computers, including tablet computers, notebook computers and so forth continue to evolve with the increased features and functionality. These computers have become an important part of a user's professional and personal lives, and are thus carried between environments and rooms throughout the day. A user may desire to move often, and be able to quickly orient the computer for continued use. When a computer is used on one's lap, this mobility is not such an inconvenience.

However, user's often desire to situate a portable computer on a laptop stand. When traveling from room to room in a home, for example, this necessitates using two hands, one to carry the computer and the other to carry the stand. A user may often have the need to have a free hand to carry papers, or even a cup of coffee which is not free in such a situation.

There is a desire for an improved device that is configured to conveniently stow a portable computer for transport, but which can also function as a stand for ergonomically orienting the portable computer during use, such as upon one's lap or a work surface including a desk or table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention achieves technical advantages as a combination portable computer carry case and cooling support with a deployable/expandable and retractable receptacle, such as a pocket. The device is configured to receive a portable computer for carrying in a first orientation, and also configured to support the portable computer at an angle upon a work surface in an ergonomic position in a second orientation. The pocket can hold portable computers of varying sizes, and is aesthetically appealing as it won't sag when used. The pocket conveniently collapses to provide a coplanar support surface when used as a support stand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a notebook computer stand according to one preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a rear perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts a portable computer supported on the stand of FIG. 3 with a fabric sail in a retracted, unused position;

FIG. 5 depicts the stand supporting the portable computer as shown in FIG. 4 with the sail in the retracted, unused position;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the stand and computer shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a back elevational view of the stand and computer shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the stand and computer of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 whereby the fabric sail is stretched and secured under the notebook computer stand, and snuggly around the front corners of the stand;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention including an expandable/deployable and retractable receptacle including a pocket;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 standing upward with the pocket expanded and receiving the portable computer in a substantially vertical orientation;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a partial cut away view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 illustrating springs coupled to the expandable pocket;

FIG. 15 depicts the springs extended when the pocket is expanded and extensions across the pocket bottom;

FIG. 16 depicts a bottom view of the apparatus and pocket in the retracted position; and

FIG. 17 depicts a bottom view of the apparatus and pocket in the expanded position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a portable computer stand 10 including a fabric member 12, referred to hereafter as a “sail”, secured to a top edge 14 of the stand 10 and extending forwardly about and encapsulating a portable computer 16 disposed therein. The fabric member 12 is elastic, and has elastic edges such when deployed it is snuggly secures about and protects the portable computer about the lower corners of the portable computer. The fabric member 12 also secures the portable computer to the stand 10, such that the stand can function as a computer caddy.

FIG. 2 depicts a rear perspective view of the portable computer stand 10 and computer 16, depicting the fabric member 12 extending over a rear portion of the top corners 18 of the portable computer stand, each side of the integrated handle 20 extending between the corners 18. The body of the fabric member selectively secures the portable computer 16 to the stand 10 such that the stand and the computer can be carried as one by the handle 20, with the computer both secured to and protected during transport. As shown in FIG. 2, the stand 10 is rigid and has a computer support member 24 and upper support surface configured to extend under and support the computer lower major surface. The stand also has a curved extension 22 configured to form a V-shape with the support member 24, such that the stand is self-supporting and can stand in a vertical orientation upon a horizontal work surface without tipping, such upon the floor, a table, or other such surface. The fabric member 12 can be colored such that it is aesthetically pleasing in appearance, and may have a design or logo if desired. The fabric member 12 may also be interchangeable if desired.

FIG. 3 depicts a second preferred embodiment of the present invention at 30, wherein like numerals refer to like elements, similar to device 10 shown in FIG. 1 and including a fan 32 and air vent 34 disposed in the computer supporting surface to facilitate cooling of the portable computer 16 disposed thereover during operation. The stand 30 also includes the integral curved supporting base member 22 as shown in FIG. 2 to extend over a supporting horizontal surface and incline the computer support surface 18, as shown. The supporting base member 22 is curved such that it may be comfortably rested upon a user's lap if desired, with minimal contact area to permit the user's lap to breath. The computer support member 24 and the base member 22 generally form a sharp “C”, or a sideways when viewed from the side.

FIG. 4 depicts the portable computer 16 supported on the stand 30 with the fabric sail 12 in a retracted, unused position. The computer is angled in an ergonomic position, such at about a 5 degree angle.

FIG. 5 depicts the stand 30 supporting the portable computer 16 as shown in FIG. 4 with the sail 12 in the retracted, unused position. A spacing 26 is provided in the upper surface 28 of the computer support member to facilitate airflow beneath the portable computer 16 and direct the heated air flow to exhaust laterally from under the computer 16.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the stand 30 and computer 16 shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a back elevational view of the stand 30 and computer 16 shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the stand 30 and computer 16 of FIG. 4 whereby the stand includes an integral power charging interface 32, which may include a cord for powering the portable computer when supported.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 further illustrating the power charging interface 32.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 whereby the fabric sail 12 is stretched and secured under the computer stand, and snuggly around the front corners of the stand, as shown. In this orientation the fabric sail 12 allows operation of the inclined computer while seated upon a user's lap. The fabric sail 12 provides a comfortable cushion upon the user's lap and reduces any heat from being communicated to the user's lap. The fabric sail is aesthetically pleasing when stowed underneath the computer stand, and forms sidewalls each side of the computer stand as shown.

The computer stand achieves technical advantages by the permitting the portable computer to be secured to the computer stand by the deployed sail member during transport or storage, wherein the sail member is easily retractable to permit access and use of the computer, and which sail can also be easily stowed under the stand during use and provide a comfortable support on a user's lap.

Turning now to FIG. 11, there is shown a device at 100 another embodiment of the invention seen to comprise of a combination portable computer carrying case and support stand having a deployable/expandable and retractable pocket 102. Device 100 is seen to have similar features to the previous embodiments, including being a combination carrying case, support stand, and having an expandable member configured to receive and protect a portable computer. Device 100 is seen to include a major support surface 104 configured to receive the lower major surface of a portable computer thereupon. Support surface 104 is a non-slip surface such that the portable computer is restricted from slipping when angled above a work surface at an angle, such as about 10-15 degrees. The support surface 104 may be comprised of a fabric, perhaps having indicia or a design, and may be comprised of other materials or combinations thereof including a rubber material to provide a high-friction support surface.

Device 100 is further seen to include a central opening 106 disposed in a central portion of support surface 104 and exposing an integral cooling fan 108 configured to generate air flow beneath the lower major surface of the portable computer when disposed thereover to cool the computer during operation. The opening 106 is seen to extend laterally across the support surface to generate sufficient cooling under the portable computer, and has curved lateral edges forming a generally oval opining 106. Further seen in FIG. 11 is a pair of openings 110 extending rearward through a back surface of support member 104 such that air generated under the portable computer is configured to flow along a back surface of the portable computer and heated air is exhausted through the openings 110.

A handle 112 is formed through a top end of the support surface 104 and is configured to be positioned above the support surface 104 when the device 100 is stood vertically, as shown in FIG. 12. Handle 112 is elongated and configured to comfortably receive the fingers of a user's hand when toting the device and portable computer in the pocket.

The device 100 is further seen to include an extension or arm 114 that is rigid and rigidly connected to the rigid support surface 104. The extension 114 angles from the support surface 104 to generally form a V-shape, rest upon a work surface, and angle the support surface such that the portable computer positioned thereon is in an ergonomic operable position for use by a user. The extension comprises a major surface that is non-planar such that is tangentially engages the work surface to minimize contact area. In particular, when the device is situated upon a user's lap, the outwardly curve lower surface of the extension makes a nominal contact surface such that it is comfortable and allows breathing area to the user's lap.

Turning now to FIG. 12, the device 100 is shown positioned vertically upon a work surface on a lower end 116 of the support surface 104, and a lower end 118 of the extension 114 such that the portable computer is vertically oriented in the pocket 102. The pocket is deployed and expanded, and the portable computer is partially disposed in the pocket 102 and partially outside the pocket 102 and facing outwardly. The pocket 102 has a pair of opposing sidewalls 120 that are adjustable, having dimensions that increase in size and width when the portable computer is disposed in the pocket 102. The handle 112 is positioned at an upper end of the device 100 in this orientation and configured to be grasped and carried by a user. As an alternative design, the support surface 104 may be provided with one or more grip pads shown at 122.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown the device 100 from the rear, with the curved extension 114 extending rearwardly beneath the support surface 104 thereabove. The extension 114 is seen include a stowage receptacle 124, such as an expandable or resilient pocket with open ends 126 configured to receive and stow items and accessories, such as a power cord, thumb drive and other items.

Referring now to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, there is shown a partial cutaway view of the device 100 illustrating the mechanism that facilitates the pocket 104 to deploy/expand and retract, allowing the pocket sidewalls 120 to expand such that the portable computer can be securely received therein. FIG. 14 depicts the pocket 102 in the retracted position such that a top surface thereof is coplanar with the remaining portion of the support surface 104, and FIG. 15 shows the pocket 102 in the deployed and expanded position such that the top surface of the pocket that forms a portion of the support surface 104 is offset and non-planar with the rest of the support surface 104, but which is still parallel to the remaining support surface 104. The pocket 102 is configured to form a generally rectangular pocket, and having an open bottom portion 126 as shown in FIG. 15.

As shown in both FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the pocket 102 is formed in one preferred embodiment by a member 128, such as a fabric, strapped around a lower portion of the device 100 from a first end 130, across a rigid planar member 132 forming a portion of the support surface 104 and also a front portion of the pocket 102, to a second end 134. Extending within the first end 130 and second end 134 is a support member comprising a wire 136 exposed by an opening along a leading edge thereof, as shown. A pair of resilient members comprising springs 140 each have hooks 142 on one end secured around the exposed wire 136, and having opposing hooks 144 secured around fixed posts 146 extending upwardly from a base surface 148. A pair of springs are provided at both the first end 130 and the second end 134 so that the member 128 can adjust to vary the dimension of the pocket sidewall 120 as shown. The springs 140 stretch to allow the member ends to laterally move toward the support surface edge as the pocket 104 deploys and expands.

The member 128 slides around smooth guide rollers 150 disposed about a frame member 152 as shown in FIG. 14 to prevent wear or binding. An inner end 154 of frame 152 is configured to extend through a pair of guide loops 156 of support 158 and laterally move as the pocket is deployed and expanded, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. The frame 152 has a side extension 160 that is configured to pivot outwardly as the pocket 102 deploys and expands, and forms a support extending at an angle across the open bottom end of the pocket 102 when expanded to support an edge of the portable computer when vertically oriented, as shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 14, the support surface 104 has a shouldered portion 162 configured to receive the rigid member 132 when retracted.

Referring now to FIG. 16, there is shown a bottom view of the device 100 and pocket 102 when retracted, and FIG. 17 shows the pocket 102 with the pocket expanded with the open end 126. The springs 140 are encased in a cavity such that they are not exposed to the pocket 102.

Though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present application. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications. 

1. An apparatus for carrying, protecting, supporting and cooling a portable computer having a top major surface and a lower major surface, comprising: a body member having a deployable and retractable receptacle configured to receive, secure and protect the portable computer therein, a handle configured to permit carrying the body member with the portable computer stowed in the receptacle, and a support surface configured to receive the portable computer lower major surface and support the portable computer in a usable orientation at an angle above a work surface when the receptacle is retracted.
 2. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the receptacle is configured to receive and position the portable computer in a substantially vertical orientation when the handle is positioned above the receptacle for carrying by a user.
 3. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the support surface forms a portion of the deployable receptacle.
 4. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the support surface is a major surface configured to oppose a substantial portion of the portable computer lower major surface.
 5. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the receptacle is configured to deploy generally upwardly when the apparatus is positioned on the work surface and configured to support the portable computer.
 6. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the body member further comprises an extension configured to rest upon the work surface and angle the support surface with respect to the work surface.
 7. The apparatus as specified in claim 6 wherein the body member and extension are rigid, and the extension forms an V-shape with the support surface.
 8. The apparatus as specified in claim 6 wherein the extension is non-planar and is configured to create a space above the work surface when oriented thereon.
 9. The apparatus as specified in claim 6 wherein the support surface and the extension are both configured to sit upon the work surface and receive the portable computer in without tipping.
 10. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the receptacle has a shape configured to conform to the portable computer and securely receive the portable computer therein.
 11. The apparatus as specified in claim 10 wherein the receptacle comprises a pocket.
 12. The apparatus as specified in claim 11 wherein the pocket has an open bottom portion configured to be positioned proximate a side of the portable computer.
 13. The apparatus as specified in claim 11 wherein the pocket has a rigid portion configured to be proximate the portable computer top major surface, and an adjustable portion.
 14. The apparatus as specified in claim 13 wherein the adjustable portion extends between the rigid portion and the body member.
 15. The apparatus as specified in claim 14 wherein the adjustable portion forms a sidewall of the pocket.
 16. The apparatus as specified in claim 15 wherein the sidewall is coupled to a resilient member extending between the sidewall and the body member.
 17. The apparatus as specified in claim 16 wherein the resilient member comprises at least one spring.
 18. The apparatus as specified in claim 14 wherein the adjustable portion is not resilient.
 19. The apparatus as specified in claim 15 wherein the sidewall is comprised of a fabric.
 20. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the support surface comprises a fan oriented to create airflow beneath the portable computer lower major surface when supported thereon. 